published by The Historical Society of Rockland County 20 Zukor Road, New City, New York 10956

Vol. 25, No. 3 July-September 1981

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MAD ANTHONY WAYNE ,AB0UT ONE MILE NORTH LIES, SPRINGSTEEL FARM WHERE GENERAL WAYNE SPENT THE EVENING OF JULY 16, 1779, M. BEFORE THE BATTLE OF STONY POINT. ^KrcrEO nr "H/ufMuc chaptcr ‘i.',.d.a.r nr? ^

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For almost 50 years this marker at the corner of Crickettown Rd. and Rt. 210, Stony Point, swung on its crossbar; then wind and weather took toll, so Supervisor Lucien Conklin and the town Park Commission repaired it and in a joint ceremony with Shatemuc Chapter, D.A.R., the historical society and nine direct descendents of David Springsteel, the marker was rededicated June 13, 1981. Sallie Akester. D.A.R. regent; William F. Eberle, president, historical society; Dan de Noyelles, historian; Michael Springsteel addressed the gathering. Later the group met at the Springsteel Farm boulder. OUR COVER STORY On July 16, 1932, Shatemuc Chapter, D.A.R., unveiled an historic marker to celebrate the 153rd anniversary of the capture of Stony Point by Gen. Anthony Wayne and his select troops, which had marched from Sandy Beach (above Ft. Montgomery) to the David Springsteel farm on Frank Rd., where they awaited further orders. Another D.A.R. marker, an inscribed boulder, shows the former site of the farmhouse. Also celebrated at the time was the bicentennial of the birth of George Washington. Culled from old files of the Rockland County Messenger by Dan deNoyelles:

HISTORIC SPOT IS MARKED BY D.A.R. Marker Unveiled Saturday At Old Springsteel Farm at Stony Point On the 153rd anniversary of the date when General Anthony Wayne camped on the old Springsteel farm at Stony Point, Shatemuc Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, unveiled a tablet on Saturday commemorating that historic event. Wayne camped on the farm from eight o’clock until midnight. A parade of automobiles and marchers proceeded to the highway marker where a platform had been erected. Here addresses were made by Miss Susan Coe Blauvelt of Nyack, regent of the chapter; Miss Cornelia Bedell, author, of Nyack; Mrs. Charles E. Conover of Pearl River, chairman of the committee and Calvin T. Allison, of Stony Point, county superintendent of highways and a member of an old family long prominent in the history of the area. Miss Lorena Deas of Stony Point led the singing. After the ceremonies, the procession proceeded to the farm, which had been carefully prepared under the direction of Mr. Allison. Here the speakers were Frederick W. Penny, noted lawyer of Haverstraw and Brewster J. Allison, well- known citizen of Stony Point. The motor cavalcade then resumed the trip past the historic Queensboro Trail and returned to Stony Point where a box repast was served. Members of the committee in charge of the event were Miss Bedell, Miss Matilda Springsteen of Spring Valley and Mrs. Conover. The Stony Point committee consisted of Miss Grace E. Treadway, Mrs. Calvin T. Allison, Mrs. Richard Rodermond, Miss Helen VanValer and Miss Fannie Van Valer. BICENTENNIAL SERVICE AT METHODIST CHURCH The union George Washington Bicentennial service at the Methodist Church Sunday was well attended... a fitting opening of the Washington celebration in Haverstraw. Jack Harley, the organist, played as his prelude “March Militaire” by Schubert and the choir sang the Bicentennial song, “The Father of the Land We Love’’ by George M. Cohan. As the colors advanced up the center aisle of the old church, the congregation sang, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”. Mrs. Lillian McVeigh, special soloist, sang “My Country” and the pastor, Rev. Nevie Cutlip took as his subject, “George Washington, the Christian.”

© 1981 The Historical Society of Rockland County

Editor: Mariruth Campbell Editorial Associate: Marianne Leese Printed by PRINT SPRINT

2 June 13, 1981: Virginia Houghton, Frances Anderson, Sallie Akester. regent. D.A.R., Shatemuc Chapter; Dan deNoyelles; William F. Eberle, president, historical society; Jim Forzone, director, Stony Point Town Park; members of Springsteel family.

June 13, 1981: The modern Springsteels — Michael, Ginny, Charles, Malvina. John, Michael, Jr., Steve, Linda.

3 HUDSON VALLEY CHAMPION WALKERS — by Daniel de Noyelles

Thirty-seven years after Nick Murphy of Haverstraw was named world champion walker at the finish of a six-day contest at Madison Square Garden, New York City, in October of 1879, another great athletic event for Haverstraw and Rockland County came when the walking championship of the Hudson River Valley was at stake in the spring of 1916. Proposed was a contest for four teams of five walkers each in a series of ten- mile treks in four locations along the river. Three teams were made up and sponsored by the Newburgh Journal the Poughkeepsie Star and the Kingston Leader. The sponsors combed the rest of the valley for a fourth team but no one seemed anxious to challenge the “Big Three.” Finally the Rockland County Messenger of Haverstraw, published by the Freyfogle family, accepted late in the season —near the starting date, April 27. It was Wednesday the 24th when some of the boys were asked, “Do you want to race 10 miles on Saturday?” Five Haverstraw youths accepted: William Lane, William Flynn, Lee Mackey, Foster Schreeder and Ed Freyfogle. Charles W. Bacon was press representative and George G. Melvin agreed to coach. Thus teams of five walkers selected by the newspapers contested the championship of the valley for Rockland, Orange, Dutchess and Ulster Counties. Considering they started the ten-mile grind practically unprepared, all the Haverstraw entrants did remarkably well, finishing 7th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th. This gave Haverstraw third place in the team scores of Poughkeepsie, 33; Newburgh, 24; Haverstraw, 15; Kingston, 5. William Clary of Poughkeepsie was the winner in 1 hr. 35 min. and 35 sec; a phenomenal feat considering the number of hills, steep grades and muddy con­ dition of two miles of the course at Newburgh. Clary finished about one-half mile ahead of Howard Howroyd also of Poughkeepsie. Seventeen rivals walked, for Newburgh, Haverstraw and Poughkeepsie had full teams while Kingston, which had included three women walkers in its team, had only two entrants. The young ladies resided outside of Kingston proper and were unable to get into town because of rain and thus couldn't make the trip to Newburgh, where the first match was held. The race drew immense crowds who braved the damp, cold day and waited more than an hour to see the race. The walkers in their stretch over the principal streets of Newburgh were viewed by nearly the whole population of that up-river city and its nearby villages. Cramps in his legs bothered untrained William Lane, always known as Willie. William Flynn, known as Bill, succeeded in staying close, passed Shorter and Russell of Poughkeepsie and finished ahead of the Newburgh entrants. After an early attempt to hold to the pace, Schreeder, Mackey and Freyfogle were forced to drop back. Merchandise prizes for the first twelve walkers were donated by the merchants of Newburgh. In addition, the boys received points toward the team and individual champion­ ships of the Hudson Valley. Placements in the first race were: 1. Clary, 2. Howroyd, 3. Fritz Knauss, all of Poughkeepsie; 4. Morrison. 5. Allison, 6. Berry of Newburgh; 7. Flynn of

4 Haverstraw; 8. McDonald of Newburgh; 9. Russell of Poughkeepsie; 10. Calvin Smith of Newburgh; 11. Lane, 12. Schreeder, 13. Mackey of Haverstraw; 14. Shorter of Poughkeepsie; 15. Freyfogle of Haverstraw. The two Kingston entrants did not finish the course. In the second race (part of the greatest walking match ever staged in the Hudson Valley) on April 29, 1916, the Haverstraw team proved it had overcome inexperience and lack of formal training to forge its way into the winner’s circle. The newly found speed of the Haverstraw boys was little short of miraculous. Their showing at Poughkeepsie proved the local boys could “step some". After the Newburgh event, it was whispered among the betting fraternity that Rockland County boys had speed but lacked staying powers. This second race showed they had developed both faster pacing and increased stamina brought on through a strict training schedule in only a week’s time. The course in Poughkeepsie was carefully mapped through the city. Much interest was shown by the citizens. All along the course excited bystanders, cheering their fellow townsmen, watched the progress of the walkers, followed by automobiles with the press and city officials. The Haverstraw team was augmented with Campbell Skerry*. Standings for the second race were: 1. Lane, 2. Flynn, of Haverstraw; 3. Clary, 4. Walter Knauss, 5. Howroyd, of Poughkeepsie; 6. McDonald, 7. Irving Rubin of Newburgh; 8. L. R. Russell, Poughkeepsie; 9. Wm. R. Morrison, 10. Fred J. Berry, of Newburgh; 11. Schreeder, Haverstraw; 12. Allison, Kingston; 13. Campbell Skerry, Haverstraw: 14. Galvin Smith, Newburgh; 15. Lee Mackey, Haverstraw; 16. Charles McCann, Kingston; 17. Freyfogle, Haverstraw. *A city could enter many contestants but only the first five would score.

Premium walkers of the 1916 Havrstraw team: (left to right) Bill "Willie" Lane. Bill Skerry, and Bill Flynn.

5 This great race by Lane and Flynn caused a great amount of rivalry between handlers and friends of Clary and managers of the Newburgh and Haverstraw teams. When Lane and Flynn threatened Clary’s lead, one of the Poughkeepsie enthusiasts jumped from his car and proceeded to walk ahead to pace Clary. This was protested at once and started a violent argument. The Poughkeep- sians, who by the way were not members of the Board of Judges, then tried to worry Lane and Flynn by yelling they were running and they would have them disqualified. This launched another argument, finally settled in a hastily ar­ ranged truce to let the walkers alone and uncoached. All hard feelings were forgotten after the race and the Poughkeepsians were loud in the praises of Flynn and Lane. Lane had stuck to Clary from the beginning and at no time was Clary more than 50 yards ahead of Lane, closely followed by teammate Flynn. Try as he might, Clary could not shake of these two seventeen year olds from Haver­ straw. Both set an unusual pace and finished 100 yards ahead of Clary, whom they constantly worried because Clary, with his big stride and great endurance, had always been accustomed to setting a pace that would “kill off a rival.” When he moved the speed up a notch the Haverstraw youngsters would im­ mediately give battle. This worried Clary and helped sap his vitality. This four-race challenge of endurance for Hudson Valley supremacy was growing in popularity and enthusiasm. Not only were the contestants whoop­ ing it up, but the public was getting more and more aroused by the inter-city rivalry. The newspapers were telling their readers of the spirit which this wholesome sport was developing. On the side, somebody remarked that their circulations were going up too. The teams’ scores for the second race were: Poughkeepsie, 133; Newburgh, 130; Haverstraw, 107; Kingston, 32. Individual scores were: Clary, 55; Lane, 49; Flynn, 49; McDonald, 46. The third race was held in Kingston May 6. Walter Knauss of Poughkeepsie was the winner. The total result was: 1. Walter Knauss of Poughkeepsie, 2. Lane of Haverstraw, 3. McDonald of Newburgh, 4. Clary of Poughkeepsie, 5. Flynn of Haverstraw. These were the only walkers to complete the marked course. Nine other competitors lost their way through Kingston’s streets and wound up at the finish line about ten minutes ahead of the leaders. Since all the boys who lost their way walked the same shortened distance and were behind the five leaders when they went off course, it was decided since they had walked a race of their own, they were awarded places starting from 6th and the scores went like this: 6. Irving Rubin, Newburgh; 7. William Skerry, Haver­ straw; 8. Berry, 9. Allison, of Newburgh; 10 Bell, 11. McCann, of Kingston; 12. Schreeder, Haverstraw; 12. Cady, Poughkeepsie; 14. Gill, Kingston; 15. New­ man, Haverstraw. Schreeder and Cady walked a dead heat and Newman did not finish. The Haverstraw team made the trip in automobiles furnished by George Melvin and Dr. Matthew J. Sullivan. The Sullivan car ran into all kinds of trouble on the way home and at midnight limped into Newburgh on a flat tire with three tubes all cut up from previous flats. They left Newburgh at 12:30 p.m. and at Orr's Mills more trouble developed so they telephoned to Haver­ straw for a new tire. After such a race in hilly Kingston, what a drastic experi­ ence to arrive home at daybreak on Sunday morning.

6 Start of the fourth and final race (May 20, 1916) on Broadway, Haverstraw. The walkers are about 50 feet into the race. The start was at a line from Baum Bros, large department store (middle left) and the Rockland County Messenger office. Chief of Police Ford fired the starting pistol. That accounts for the paddy-wagon on the left. Bill Lane with Schreeder on his left and Howroyd on his right leads by a step. Flynn follows, then Rubin. Simpkins. Clary (in dark shirt) and Skerry. Next are Berry, Knauss, McDonald. Allison and Friedman.

Since the Annual Field Meet & Picnic for Rockland County’s Public School Athletic League was to be held May 13 at Orangeburg Fair Grounds, the fourth race was scheduled for May to in Haverstraw. The route chosen started at the Messenger office, went up Broadway to West Haverstraw, to Garnerville, turned at Cedar Tavern to Mead’s Corner, went down Route 202 to Westside Avenue, then to Route 9W as far as the Long Clove, swung to Riverside Avenue, to West Street in the village, to Hudson Avenue and down New Main to the People’s Bank (now the Bank of New York). Scheduled to start at 3:30 on a very warm afternoon, the race began at 3:45. when Police Chief “Kig” Ford fired the starting pistol shot. Kingston's walkers had not shown themselves in the same class as Haverstraw, Newburgh and Poughkeepsie and had droped out of the contest. Haverstraw’s team was standbys Willie Lane, Bill Flynn and Foster Schreeder with Bill Skerry and a new walker, John (“Josh”) Simpkins. Judges were W. D. Cunningham of the Nyack Journal, F. D. Lucas of the Poughkeepsie Evening Star. George G. Melvin, Richard W. Oldfield and Henry F. Dorl of Haverstraw. Special prizes were donated by County Treasurer Walter G. Hamilton, coroner Arthur W. Butcher, Alfred Miller’s drugstore, David Pressler’s clothing emporium, Laird Pharmacy, E. P. Vandenburgh’s jewelry store, John L. Zorn (hardware), Charles Benson’s poolroom, Baum Bros, department store and Clarence Smith’s sports store. The prizes as a reward in the grueling four-race series were selected by the walkers in order of their finish. Up to the sixth mile and at the DeNoyelles’ residence Rest-Awhile on Route 9W, where the Riverside Nursing Home is today, Lane led by 100 yards. Next came Flynn, Clary, Simpkins and McDonald. The savage pace took its toll. Here Allison was suffering from leg cramps and Friedman of Poughkeepsie had to drop out because of nails in his shoes and had to be treated by a physician. At the top of the Long Clove, Howroyd of Poughkeepsie had to drop out when his knee caved in. At the seventh mile (at the top of the Long Clove), the lead changed repeatedly as the walking became extremely bad. Here the Haverstraw team showed superiority. At the eighth mile, Lane was the leader with Flynn second by 150 yards. Not far behind was McDonald of Newburgh, who was starting to give way to Clary of Poughkeepsie, and Simpkins of Haverstraw. None could gain on Lane and Flynn. At the ninth mile, the contestants were back in the village and the last mile took them through New Main Street, Hudson Avenue and Broadway to the finish line. The streets this hot spring day were so crowded with local fans and those from the competing cities that automobiles had to force passageway for the walkers. During the last mile Flynn and Lane were cheered to the echo by the partisan crowds, and William Jenkins, owner of a stationery store, handed the leader, Lane, a big American flag which he carried to the finish at the People’s Bank. Lane won. Flynn was second. Newspaper headlines the following week read, THE TWO BILLS WIN! Haverstraw Boys Carry Off The Honors in Saturday’s Championship Walking Match. Match Followed with Enthusiasm — Hundreds Out To See The Walkers Start At Messenger Office —The Course Lined With Interested Citizens — Something New For The Village, Which Now Demands More Of Such Sport! After the two “Bills” came McDonald of Newburgh 3rd, Clary of Poughkeep­ sie, 4th, Schreeder of Haverstraw 5th, Rubin of Newburgh 6th, Berry of Newburgh 7th and Bill Skerry, (who had put in a day’s work on the brickyards prior to racing) of Haverstraw. Clary won the individual first prize —the gold medal; Lane was second, the silver; Bill Flynn 3rd and the bronze. Individual scores for the series were: Clary, 72; Lane,69; Flynn, 68. The races were so strenuous Knauss and Howroyd of Poughkeepsie were unable to walk in all the races. Knauss was unable to compete after the first race. Like many a Hudson River Valley sports contest, it wasn’t long before another challenge was hurled against Knauss, McDonald and Clary from the angered Haverstraw rooters. The Nyack Journal suggested a final race with New York City judges but this never came off. While most Americans were deeply concerned with the tragic events in Europe and with the U.S. punitive raid into Mexico with some of the local boys at the border, our Hudson River Valley newspapers saw this grand race as an outlet for pent up feelings. The Rockland County Messenger had entered the event because no other paper, up or down the river, was willing or able to compete against the line-up of walkers. As noted April 24 the Messenger con­ sented to try to raise a team and the Haverstraw men had no training except their everyday walking habits (missed greatly in today’s life style) in travelling

8 about the village, to their brickyard labors or up the school lane to the “yellow prison". However, they progressed rapidly with training and experience and in the end showed exceptional endurance. Haverstraw, beaten for individual honors, nosed out Newburgh for team honors in the final race. What excitement the contest caused for years! Charges shot back and forth: walking had become running when the judges were out-of-sight; some walkers, jostled by the uproarious crowds, lost stride and pace, etc., etc. The race took place in an era when people were very much impressed by walking and athletic excellence. The baseball world had been startled by a Boston Red Sox pitcher who had hit his first major league home run in May 1915 and was now stroking the ball over the fences of the American League. He, of course, was “Babe" Ruth. Thus it was a time which showed Haverstraw youths at their best and it demonstrated the grit and courage of Rockland County's athletic prowess.

The new edition of THE TONETTI YEARS, like its predecessor, recounts the history of the secluded southeast corner of Rockland County known as Sneden's from the time of the American Revolution to the mid-20th century, with emphasis especially on the years 1880-1945 when Mary Lawrence Tonetti gave it her own distinctive cachet. Mrs. Tonetti and her husband, Francois Louis Tonetti, both sculptors, created a woodland garden at the base of the cascade area of her parents' garden. There were sculptures, fountains, a reflecting pool, boxwood-lined paths and an exedra on the shore of the Hudson. The above photo, taken sometime in the late 1950s when the river was calm gives some idea of the quietude and charm that made this historic area a place of relaxation and delight.

9 A. W. Rittershausen talks on beekeeping at the spring festival and open house.

Artisan James R. Vandenberg demonstrates the craft of silversmithing at spring festival.

10 Puppets created by Paul Peabody add a whimsical touch to the festivities.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Honored guests at the 21st annual strawberry festival and awards program included two students from each of the county high schools nominated by their faculty advisors for special interest in American history: From ALBERTUS MAGNUS-Ellen Greaven, Hubert Nealy; CLARKSTOWN NORTH-Tracey Tenser, Thomas Fleming; CLARKSTOWN SOUTH-Ken­ dall Cornell, Peter Distler; NANUET —Moira Usatine, Shridar Genesan; NORTH ROCKLAND— Claudia Casey, John Neary; NYACK —Julie Masch, Stuart Schillinger; PEARL RIVER —Claire Gallagan, Michael Chertok; RAMAPO —Gita Hakerem, Stuart Jacobson; SHAAREI TORAH—Jonathan Schmeltz, Alan Mayerfeld; SPRING VALLEY —Colleen Carey, Roman Hav- riliak; SUFFERN —Dawn Tice, Kevin Short; TAPPAN ZEE —Andrea Gore, Herbert Wolfson. The awards program, first suggested by Mrs. Newton Blickman more than 15 years ago, has become a tradition. Prentice-Hall, Inc., has supplied the awards for the past six years. Mary Eastwick, representing Senator Linda Winikow, presented certificates of award to the students. Dr, A. T. Klyberg, Director of the Rhode Island Historical Society and former associate at Clements Library, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor was speaker. Dr. Ticknor B. Litchfield served as chairman of the awards program; Mrs. Carl Colby of the strawberry festival. Stony Point Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution arranged the display of flags in the Community Room.

11 Part of the dealer exhibit May 9, 1981 at the 22nd annual outdoor antique show.

Early Hudson Valley prints by Hill, cranberry glass tumblers, old damask tablecloths, antique corner cupboards and colorful quilts were among the items displayed May 9 by 71 dealers at the 22nd annual outdoor antique show spon­ sored by the historical society at the history center, where dogwoods, lilacs and fruit trees in bloom added to the glory of a spring day. There was plenty of room for comfortable browsing and inspection of goods offered by dealers from Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Marge Carruthers, show manager, commented on the “good indoor show" quality of the merchandise, especially the country furniture, folk art, paintings and Oriental rugs. To the delight of all, the Womens Committee served lunch, including made- to-order sandwiches, and held a sale of home-baked items.

The spring festival and open house featured various craft demonstrations as well as sheepshearing and blacksmithing. The Women’s Committee held a book sale. The gift shop in the Museum was open. Exhibits included the Major Andre affair and Landscape Paintings of Rockland County. Robert G. Burg- bardt gave a slide presentation on “Vanishing Rockland County” in the Com­ munity Room. G. Roland Mills served as program chairman. (See centerfold photos).

Deadlines for SOUTH OF THE MOUNTAINS are January 7, April 7, July 7, October 7. Queries, answers, submissions may be mailed to the editor: R.D. Bx. 348, Old Mill Road, Valley Cottage, New York 10989.

12 CONGRATULATIONS!

The Tappantown Historical Society was the recipient of the first Historic Preservation Award in Rockland County presented at a conference at the Hotel Thayer May 19, on “The Economics of Preservation, Restoration and Reuse”. Sponsored by the Hudson Valley Regional Council and Patterns and co-spon­ sored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this conference recog­ nized preservation efforts of groups in Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. Preservation efforts in Tappan began in 1960, when residents felt a need to protect historic buildings and areas. Community interest in 1965 prevented the development of a shopping complex and the Town of Orangetown adopted Local Law No. 4 creating an Historic Zone covering 85 acres —one of the first laws in New York State “to preserve”. Later funds were raised to match a state grant to develop Tappan Memorial Park through which the Sparkill flows, creating the feeling of open space and pioneer days. Selection of the Tappantown Historical Society was made by a panel of judges: Thomas Casey of Garnerville, Rockland County historian; Audrey Dowling of Palisades, preservationist; John Hadley of Nyack, architect; Lois Jessup of Monsey, president, Rockland County Conservation Association; Norman Slovik of Monsey, Rockland County Planning Board. — Gladys Weber

Dr. and Mrs. George R. Sharpless of Pearl River were honored at a Golden Wedding reception given by their family at the history center. Dr. Sharpless has for many years served as a vice president and treasurer of the historical society. Some 100 guests were in attendance.

Announcing a New Edition of The Tonetti Years by Isabelle K. Savelle

A short history of Sneden’s Landing from Revolutionary days to mid-20th Century with emphasis on 1880-1945 Available at gift shop at History Center, 20 Zukor Road, New City, at county bookstores and such museum shops as NYC’s Metropolitan and Albany's State

13 PALISADES CHILDHOOD by Mildred Post Rippey (part two)

We bought milk from Mr. Mann’s father as did many of our neighbors. In the spring and summer I walked down to the farm in the early evening with a young friend. There were sassafras bushes by the roadside and we would strip a branch and chew it. Papa made us lanterns out of tall cans. He punched holes in them to make a design and then put a candle inside and attached a wire handle. They were pretty when lit and cast interesting shadows. Part way down the hill was the Wallace estate, surrounded by a magnificent stone wall. Mr. Argenti, a stone mason from Northvale, N.J., constructed this wall and people came from miles around to watch him fit together perfectly those great stones. He was a fine craftsman —a big, sweaty man with an artist’s touch. I’m sure there was not another wall like this one. It must have been at least three feet wide. There were columns at the beginning and end of the wall and two or maybe four huge ones with iron bracketed lights on top, at the entrance to the estate. Everyone admired the wall and cared for it. It was never marred or defaced by vandals. We did walk on top of it, but very carefully and proudly. When my friend and I got opposite the farm, we jumped off the wall by the pink stucco pump house. We went into the Mann’s big kitchen and waited for the warm milk to be poured into our pails. My pail was blue enamel with a sturdy handle and a metal cover. I can see it in my mind’s eye —a lovely speckled blue. We paid as little as five cents a quart for milk in those days. We were both shy little girls and never stayed long in the huge kitchen, although we were made welcome by the old folks. Years later the beautiful wall was destroyed. I’m glad I didn’t witness its destruction —I’m sure I would have cried. The Wallace house, which the wall encircled, had burned down, another person had bought the property and finally it became a development (our development). I remember rationalizing it this way: “One man and his family enjoyed that glorious view over the years —now many people could enjoy it.” That thought made me feel better about the destruction of the wall. At the foot of Mann’s hill (more often called this than Oak Tree Hill) at the junction of what is now Rte 340 and Oak Tree Road, there was a tremendous oak tree with a spring at its roots. The spring came out of the rocks which cropped up all around the tree. It was a cool, peaceful spot. On my way home from high school, I would sit on the rocks and rest and drink from the spring. What happened to that beautiful bubbling water? When I was eight years old in 1909, the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up our beautiful river was celebrated. Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, was included in this celebration although he came long after Henry Hudson. I was taken out on the cliffs to see the replicas of the Half Moon and the Clermont ply their way up river. We brought our lunch and asked the lady who owned the house out on the cliff if we could sit on her lawn. It was a fine day with a cloudless sky — the two boats coming up the sparkling river were festooned with blue and gold bunting. I have never forgotten how I felt. Many years later I wrote a verse about that day. (see SM/25:2 page 6)

14 My friend Mary Ellen Chase in the White Gate says, “all of us as children... possess an instinctive capacity for wonder, for quick surprise... which redeems mere events in the beginning of our lives and actually decides the wealth or poverty of our later thoughts and therefore, the nature of ourselves." I loved my little two-room schoolhouse. I lived so close to it I could start off when the last bell rang and get there on time. I won prizes for perfect atten­ dance and for never being late —much to the chagrin of my schoolmates who said, “But Mildred lives right on top of the school!” In retrospect my first school day was hilarious but at the time I was near to tears. My mother took me to school that morning and left before I had been assigned a seat. We had what was called “assembly”, marching around the room, singing, saluting the flag and then for prayer, being seated two in a seat. When assembly was over, the teacher (an old man, by my standards) told me to sit up front until he found a seat for me. I sat where I was told — under some geranium plants that were on a shelf above me. They had recently been watered and the water poured down on me. I didn’t complain nor move an inch. I was quite wet when I was finally given a seat. After a while we had recess and I, hoping school was over, ran home. My mother hugged me and sent me back in dry clothes. After I was graduated from the eighth grade I had to walk a mile or so to take the train to high school. There they did not welcome boys and girls from out of town and they made life miserable for us. I suffered — and hated to wake up in the morning and face the day because I knew I had to go to school. We all marched from the basement to our classrooms every day and, since I was a poor marcher even to good music, I was constantly yanked out of line and made to march by myself. I stood on the landing beside the teacher until everyone had marched upstairs. Then I did my marching! It makes me sweat to think of it even now. However, there was one compensation. I had four years of Latin with an excellent teacher. World War I started when I was in high school. It didn’t seem to upset our quiet routine —at least not at first. When we became involved and “our” boys went overseas, it brought it closer to home. I said a sad farewell to one young man who never came back. He worked for a florist in Palisades and before he left he brought me some forget-me-nots which he helped me plant and he took me for a ride in my grandfather’s surrey. I hope I watered with my tears my forget-me-nots when I heard he had been killed in action. Soon we were making bandages, doing Red Cross stints and selling Liberty Bonds. My parents and grandparents were staunch Democrats and of course I was also. Mama adored President Wilson —I even thought she looked like him! She used to say that he had “been here before." We were broken-hearted when his League of Nations failed and he came home to die. I took part in a torchlight parade to reelect him when he was running for President for the second time. We drove all over the county with teams of horses carrying great poles with kerosene lights on them. The war ended with two armistice days —a premature one and a real one. We were more excited the first time, when we were dismissed from school and joined a big parade shouting and singing all the war songs.

15 QUERIES FOR READERS • The office of the county clerk is trying to obtain photographs of Cyrus Crum, Abram A. Demarest, John E. Hogencamp, Abraham Debaun. Isaac Blauvelt, David Pye, all former county clerks, so the pictures may be framed and hung in the foyer of the county clerk’s office. Who has pictures? • Clarence S. McClow of Baltimore seeks confirmation on the marriage of a McClow (Mucklow) and a Brokaw from Milltown, Somerset County prior to May 10, 1785; the birth ca. 1775 of Cornelius McClow (not the Cornelius b. in Readington, Hunterdon Co, d. in Sussex County ca. 1876): ten children of Isaac Brower and Jane Quackenbush; parents of Elizabeth Brower (Bruer) and Cornelius McClow. • Mrs. Austin W. Gowan seeks info, on Annetje (Anneken) Van Voorst w;/o Claes Jansen Kuyper aka Claes Jans Van Purvament. Was her father Cornelius? Also seeks anc. Deborah Cure —dau. Walter Cure and Catharina Mennel? Walter Cure listed in 1790 census, Haverstraw, Orange Co. • Carol B. Webb researching Alfred Law family: Alfred resided in NY prior to 1849, when in March he boarded ship "Samoset" for San Francisco. Remaining in NY were his mother, father, brothers — David, John, Herbert, George, sister—Emma. John lived in Nyack prior to 1895; m. Rachel A. (b. 1835); had dau. Jessie C. (b. 1860) Rachel and Jessie lived on High Ave., Nyack, in 1900; John was a doctor. Has heard the Laws came to NY from London ca. 1825. • Can you add to the beauty, function and authenticity of the Leland Rickard Meyer kitchen with items being sought? Needed are bellows, circa 1750, 15-20 inches; an old tin tub suitable for a dishpan; old pewter, especially a 6-8 inch salter; one-quart pitcher and charger; 18th C brass balance-scale; an old tin measuring cup. • Are you interested in old houses —their preservation and restoration? Would you join a group devoted to all phases of historical local research, including compiling an accurate list of all homes in Rockland built prior to 1920 and still standing? • Are you an experienced retired teacher willing to volunteer for occasional assignments in an Outreach Program in local elementary schools on colonial living? Contact Miss Theresa Leone at 358-0935. • Did you know the waterfall area of Snedens Landing, formerly part of the Lawrence Tonetti estate, has been given to the Palisades Interstate Park Com­ mission by the Tonetti family in memory of Mary Lawrence Tonetti? • Did you know a trail through the Nature Sanctuary of the Lament-Dougherty Observatory leading to the waterfall has been renamed Masefield-Lament Trail, to commemorate the visits to the area of John Masefield, England’s poet laureate? Information on the waterfall and the trail is included in the new edition of Isabelle K. Saveli’s “The Tonetti Years at Snedens Landing", (see our ad).

From Grand View, Henry Moscow, ed. Inter-edit, a division of Pericles Press, answers Mrs. Gowan’s request on p. 15 SM/25:2. ...Sarah’s father was Joris (George) Rapalje, who settled on 335 acres in Brooklyn’s Wallabout (the Dutch wacd for Walloon and bocht for bay) area

16 when Peter Minuit was governor. I do not have Sarah’s mother’s name. Sarah was long believed to have been the first white girl born on Manhattan but actually was born in Fort Orange (Albany) and was brought downriver by her parents when she was three. It is reasonable, on the basis of known facts, to deduce that Sarah’s parents were among the 110 Walloons—Belgian Protes­ tants—who arrived in New Netherland in the ship New Netheriand, commanded by Captain Cornelis May or Mey, in the spring of 1624, and who became the first European settlers of what is now New York. May left only a few of his passengers on Manhattan and installed the rest at Fort Orange, but when Minuit took command he called the outlanders back to Manhattan. Sarah's parents may have been slow in heeding the call, for Sarah was born June 9, 1625 and the family did not take her to Manhattan, and then Brooklyn, until — as I have said —three years later. There is an old tale that Minuit and a friend, out hunting, stopped in at the Rapalje house in Wallabout and, finding no one at home, devoured the only edibles in the larder, Indian dumplings. When Mrs. Rapalje returned from the fields with Sarah, she berated Minuit and his pal so vehemently that Minuit promised her a cow to shut her up, and kept his promise. Sarah first married Hans Hansen Bergen, by whom she had seven children, and after he died she married Theunis (or Tunis) Gysbert Bogaert, by whom she had another seven. The little I know about Sarah will be related in the Vital Statistics section of my forthcoming book, The Book of New York Firsts, which is scheduled for publication by Macmillan next spring and is a sequel to The Street Book.

Mildred Rippey writes: “It pleased me to see my growing-up-in-Palisades story in South of the Mountains. I had fun writing it for an assembly program and the children at Tappan Zee Elementary School seemed to enjoy it... In rereading the story I was shocked and surprised to see I had misspelled a good old family name. I spoke of David Man; this should have been David Mann. I really goofed with the Mann family. I called the son “young Dave" when he was in fact "young George”!... Names are precious and although the Manns may no longer be with us, I think of posterity.

The Womens Committee of the historical society has planned several field trips for the fall season. Besides its main projects —to plan and prepare for the annual Doll House Festival-Bazaar (this year opening Nov. 29) and to manage the gift shop at the history center, the committee usually arranges once a month a field trip. That of July 8 to the N.Y. Culinary Institute at Hyde Park was sold out and plans for another are being made. Coming trips include: Sept. 29, leaving history center at 10:30 a.m., to Waterloo Village, Stanhope, N.J. (entrance fee $4.); Oct 21 to see Lauren Bacall in "Woman of the Year” — SOLD OUT; Nov. 11, lea\ ing history center at 10:30 a.m., to Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, (entrance fee $1.50). For all trips reservations are required. Transportation costs are shared. For reserva­ tions and information call 634-9629.

17 EDWARD ERNEST SAUTER 1914-1981 A REMEMBRANCE Edward (“Eddie”) Sauter spent most of his life in Rockland County near Nyack, where many of his innovative compositions and arrangements were created. The unique point of view which he brought to music was deeply influenced by his love of the natural beauty and rich history of the county as expressed in the compositions “Doo- dletown Fifers" and “High Tor”, which conveyed his sure sense of history as did his arrangements for the hit musi­ cal “1776”. Always ready for a stroll along the street in his neighborhood or a hike in the woods, his favorite relaxation, he participated in recent research in tracing the old colonial Kings Highway by walking its entire length from New Jersey to Orange County. While still in Nyack high school (in the 1920's) Mr. Sauter was foremost among the young people in Rockland County who were experimenting in the exciting new big-band jazz sound emerging throughout the land. Playing drums and trumpet, writing for small groups wasn't enough challenge for his imaginative mind so he started his own dance band, which performed at prom and club dates. He attended Columbia University and studied musical theory at the Julliard swing arrangements and original compositions such as “Superman”, “Benny Rides Again"; and “Clarinet a la King" helped lead the band to its commanding piano player, split off to form his own band with singer-wife Mildred Bailey, and Sauter joined him —playing trumpet and arranging in the subtle swing style that soon brought him into national prominence. John Hammond, then scouting for Benny Goodman, recruited him for that band, where his distinctive swing arrangements and original compositions such as "Superman”, Benny Rides Again;; and "Clarinet a la King" helped lead the band to its commanding position in the late 1930’s and early 1940's. Mr. Sauter’s career ;ncluded writing for Ray McKinley, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Bob Crosby and numerous other big bands. His original pieces for Ray McKinley, which included "Tumblebug”, "Hangover Square”, “Sandstorm" and "Borderline”, are considered landmarks in the evolution of the so-called “Jazz” compositions. In 1952 he joined with arranger Bill Finegan to form the Sauter-Finegan orchestra, the most original concept of concert jazz music of the post-war era. While this was a most satisfying period of Mr. Sauter's career in allowing his versatility full range, the economics of supporting such a large orchestra forced it to disband after five years. Following a two-year sojourn (1957-59) as staff musical director at Sudwest- funk Radio, Baden Baden, Germany, his later years were devoted to his in­

18 creasing interest in and study of classical music while, at the same time, earning a livelihood orchestrating Broadway musicals, films and T.V. shows. Among his original compositions of this period was an album entitled, “Focus”, which combined a string orchestra with Stan Getz as tenor saxophone soloist —a widely acclaimed suite approaching new frontiers in the history of jazz. His “Tanglewood Concerto”, also featuring Stan Getz on tenor sax, was performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra at Tanglewood. Plis orchestral ar­ rangements of Christmas carols for another album, “The Joy of Christmas”, brought together the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. Always known as “a musician’s musician”, and “ten years ahead of his time”, Mr. Sauter was highly regarded throughout the musical world, having occupied a unique place in the fifty-year golden age of jazz and big band music. — John Scott

IN MEMORIAM Clarence R. Burns Howard L. Cox Harry L. Niederauer Dr. Cameron Eugene Carpenter Joseph G. Feil Mary T. Prentice G. James Cicaloni Nancy Harris Miller Edward (“Ernest”) Sauter Robert Henry Clark Dr. H. Terry Nee John A. Stefan These names are also listed in the Book of Remembrance when donations are made in their honor. The society is grateful for the many years of service given by Mr. Stefan as a member of the advisory board.

A very warm welcome to those who have during April, May and June 1981 joined us as members: Donald R. Chauncey, Helen D. Cooper, Mrs. Lorraine B. Danser, Charlene Dixon, Mrs. L. J. Ham, Mrs. Bernard Haring, Mrs. Ben Jackson, Marianne G. Kormanski, Robert Loekle, Stella Julia Lord, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lucca, M. & P. Marshall-Mrakovcic, Cornelius Murphy, Dr. Seymour Perlin, Mrs. Pat Picarillo, Mrs. Evelyn Pousette-Dart, Roberta Rist, Marc L. Rossman, Mrs. Lillian Spier, John Carson Hay Steele, Sr., Ray Tyrrell, Carol B. Smith Webb.

Empire State Federal Savings and Loan Association, New City, will under­ write expenses of a series of monthly programs at the history center. First program will be Sunday, Oct. 11 — 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown. Committee includes Dr. Therese Levesque, ch., Dr. T. B. Litchfield, Robert Knight, G. Roland Mills, Victor Timoner and the Rev. Mr. Rudolph Wissler.

Dan deNoyelles will hold a lawn sale, Oct. 12-17, at 1 Pine Drive, Thiells. There will be old newspapers, old ledgers, family Bibles, some pictures, several antiques, photographs, slides and a few freebees.

19 History Center—20 Zukor Road, New City Open every Sunday and Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. and at special hours by telephoning 634-9629. The history center library (in temporary quarters and with temporary hours) will have a librarian in attendance on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Coming events, unless otherwise noted, will be held at the center. Memberships, which include mailed copies of SOUTH 6f THE MOUNTAINS, are $12.50 (family), $8.50 (individual), $2.50 (student). COMING PROGRAMS Sept. 20 (Sunday) HOMELANDS DAY, Louis W. Evans, ch., Rockland- 1-5 p.m. ers of all ethnic backgrounds gather for an afternoon of friendship and enjoyment: crafts, baked goods, en­ tertainment. Oct. 1 (Thurdsay) THEATER BENEFIT-Woody Allen’s “Play It 8:30 p.m. Again, Sam” at Antrim Playhouse, Spook Rock Rd., Suffern. Reservations: Miss Kinney, 947-1635 Oct. 3 (Saturday) BROWSE AND BUY DAY —members may offer 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. articles for sale (donation $7.50 —space for your own two card tables) Mrs. John Bruckler, ch. Oct. 10-11 (Sat. & BOOK SALE (donors may leave books at center of Sun.) 10 to 5 or request pick-up: 634-9629) Oct. 11 (Sunday) 200th ANNIVERSARY, Battle of Yorktown. Nov. 29 (Sunday) DOLL HOUSE FESTIVAL-BAZAAR opens. Dec. 5 (Saturday) ST. NICHOLAS FESTIVAL for children. Mrs. Rich­ 11, 12, 1, 2, 3 p.m. ard Hora, ch. The Suffern Historical Hikers will begin their 27th year of outdoor historic programs, open to all adults, Sunday, September 13 at 12:45 p.m. in the parking lot on Chestnut St., Suffern, opposite the post office. Each outing will take about three and one-half hours and the series will include visits to Indian rock shelters, iron mines and furnaces, Ramapo Mt. sites of Revolutionary days. The adult education fee for the eight-hike series is $18. ($3. for a single outing). For information call Gardner Watts, Suffern Village historian, at 914- 357-3667.

(914) 352-4300

POST OFFICE BOX 118 NEW CITY. N Y 10956

“Everything changes continually... What is history, indeed, but a record of change?” — Nehru’s Glimpses of World History A Rockland businessman, friend of the historical society, has joined in sponsor­ ing this issue because South of the Mountains in its reminiscences and/or re­ searched material records the changes that have taken place locally.